2001 Yquem

The 2001 Chteau dYquem is undoubtedly one of the greatest Sauternes ever made and has near limitless potential longevity. It is kaleidoscopically complex and incredibly powerful, with simply staggering balance, precision and detail. On the nose it is utterly beguiling, offering intricate layers of honeyed stone fruits, citrus peel, almond paste, crme brle, toasted nuts and liquidised stones. The palate achieves levels of richness and intensity very rarely possible, with laserlike acidity providing remarkable levity and drive through to the brilliantly long, multi-layered finish. Once tried, the 2001 is never forgotten.

Critical Acclaim

100 Jeb Dunnuck

A brilliant sweet wine that tops out on my scale, the 2001 Chteau D’Yquem is now fully mature yet still vibrant and pure, with an incredible nose of honeyed marmalade, caramelized tropical fruits, rising bread, marzipan, and lavender. Incredibly complex, full-bodied, and unctuous on the palate, it’s one of those rare wines that can deliver incredible richness and decadence while staying pure, light on its feet, and perfectly balanced. A wine that every wine lover should taste once in their life, it should be just about immortal.

100 James Suckling

This is so layered and intense on the palate with lemons and dried pineapple, mango and honey. Full body, very sweet, but it remains tangy and vibrant. Shows such amazing balance and intensity. Crazy finish. Hints of vanilla and apple pure. One of the greatest Yquems ever. All about purity here.

100 Wine Advocate

The 2001 Yquem reveals a hint of green in its light gold color. While somewhat reticent aromatically, with airing, it offers up honeyed tropical fruit, orange marmalade, pineapple, sweet creme brulee, and buttered nut-like scents. In the mouth, it is full-bodied with gorgeously refreshing acidity as well as massive concentration and unctuosity. Everything is uplifted and given laser-like focus by refreshing acidity. This large-scaled, youthful Yquem appears set to take its place among the most legendary vintages of the past, and will age effortlessly for 75+ years.

100 Vinous

Just weeks after tasting the 2001 Chteau dYquem at the estate, another bottle was served at a lunch in London and it was perfection. The aromatics are practically identical and likewise the palate, but this bottle, which had been decanted, displays a scintilla more tension, perhaps more “vibrancy” that so effortlessly counterbalances the richness. Irrespective of points, it is simply one of the most magnificent wines of any kind that can pass your lips.

100 Wine Spectator

The greatest young Yquem I have ever tasted from bottle. Yellow, with a golden hue and an almost green tint. Intense aromas of botrytis, spices and blanched almonds follow through to honey, maple syrup, dried apricot and pineapple. Full-bodied, sweet, thick and powerful, with layers of fruit and a bright, lively finish. Coats the palate yet remains exciting. So balanced and refined, showing the pedigree that only this Sauternes estate can deliver.